https://www.labcorp.com/wps/wcm/connect/5319c4804a1630549ba5ff90b80e7bff/L+4528+WelcomeBook.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=5319c4804a1630549ba5ff90b80e7bff&CACHEID=278e128049e4f37ca850f8a5bb678953&CACHEID=278e128049e4f37ca850f8a5bb678953

It should demonstrate to you how complicated the billing process is and why it is so hard to get an insurance claim right or get insurance companies to approve a claim. Having guidelines this complicated and several entities (physicians, insurance co., LabCorp., who can all make a mistake in the process) involved in the billing process makes it very difficult to be perfect. Lack of communication between entities is also a problem. Yes, there are instances where there is wrong-doing in LabCorp, but that is true for any company. You have to take into consideration the amount of detail the insurance companies require on a claim to even approve a payment to the provider. If even one digit is wrong in a code or the code isn’t specific enough for there taste, the insurance company will reject the claim and send it back to LabCorp. Even with correct codes, the insurance company may find a loophole that allows them to deny the claim. Some insurance companies will do just about anything to get out of paying. LabCorp billing specialists will try to find an error on a returned claim, which takes alot of research and these claims can be nearly impossible to resolve. Also consider that billing specialists are under alot of pressure to make production and not be penalized by management for screwing up. There is much more to the billing process than many of you can imagine.

This company is ever so relentless in collecting their precious money,they don’t give a damn. Labcorp has turned bills that my husband & I have that are 4 years old to a collection agency.

I have worked for years trying to get these charges looked into,but I cannot get anything done.

I have paid thousands to Labcorp since 2005,& they still are wanting more money.

I give up.

I did some tests a month ago, and repeatedly asked the staff of the charges, since I was paying cash. They told me the test is free you just have to pay for the blood draw $10.

A month later I get a bill for $227. If this isn’t unethical charging than what is?

Stay away fro m LabCorp. It has Scam written all over it.

Also, know your insurance! If you have a high deductible, this will need to be met before your health plan will pay the lab a dime. HOWEVER, the insurance adjustments will still be applied and your total out of pocket costs are significantly decreased. For example, I have a patient invoice here for a urine culture – total charges are $127.00. This patient has BCBS PPO, and the agreed upon contracted rate between LabCorp and Blue Cross adjusts the total cost by $98.73. This is money LabCorp EXPECTS to lose…they are only actually paid $28.27. This would be the patient’s only cost if the insurance left them fully responsible. And for anyone who has ever taken a microbiology class – it take 2-3 days to grow a bacterial culture! Of course it is all about perspective, but that cost does not seem completely unreasonable. Would you rather have a UTI for weeks because your doctor is having to play trial and error to GUESS which antibiotic will treat the unknown bacteria in your bladder?

As for patients without insurance…often times your doctor will have the lab bill them directly so they can in turn charge you the much lower contracted rate LabCorp and your doctor have agreed upon. These prices are very similar to the adjusted rates insurance companies have access to. Your doctor does not profit from this – but this way you will only have to pay, for example, about $30 of the entire $130 cost. Of course not all physicians will do this, but it could be something you inquire about before you choose a primary care physician and/or specialist.

I am sure many mistakes DO happen. Maybe try calling your doctor to see if they can help straighten out the problem with LabCorp? It’s at least worth a shot I guess.

I took this work order to LabCorp in Greenville, Texas. The lady who dealt with my paperwork informed me that 2 of the tests listed on the work order would not be covered by Medicare and she printed out the Labcorp Form CMS-R-131 where both test were listed and I checked and signed the appropriate section – Option 3 – I don’t want the laboratory test(s) listed above. I understand with this choice I am not responsible for payment and I cannot appeal to be if Medicare would pay. I have a copy of that form in my possession.

This same lady assured me that the third test on the work order form WAS covered by Medicare, so I went ahead and blood was drawn.

Several weeks later I received a bill from LabCorp which listed 4 different tests had been performed on my blood. Medicare had been billed and had denied payment on all 4. LabCorp was billing me for everything.

This despite the fact that:
a) The work order from my doctor only specified 3 tests
b) I had signed LabCorp’s own form declining 2 of the tests
c) Their representative assured me that the third test WOULD be covered by Medicare.
d) They will give me no explanation of the fourth test appearing on their bill.

I have been in touch with LabCorp repeatedly, but no-one has shown the slightest inclination to sort this mess out. In fact I received a form letter in the mail from them yesterday explaining that the bills are for “Clinical Laboratory Services Performed at the request of my physician”.

BS – I have a copy of their Form CMS-R-131 here in front of me as I write, categorically declining 2 of the tests, while their own representative assured me that the third test on the work order was not a problem and was covered by Medicare.

Not only did LabCorp frivolously ignore the fact that I had signed their own form to decline 2 tests, they completely misinformed me on the third and also added a fourth test, apparently of their own choosing.

Stay right away from LabCorp. They are incompetent and unethical and their customer service is non-existent, nobody gives a damn.

What happens to the folks that don’t have healthcare insurance?

Labcorps is big reason why healthcare costs so much.